do the best I can."

"That's all we ask," said Peaks. "You can say all this to the
principal."

Mr. Lowington returned earlier than most of the ship's company, and
Peaks reported to him immediately. The coxswain and his associate were
called up first.

"We have come on board, sir," said Sanford, touching his cap.

"I see you have. You have been gone a long time, and I have been told
that you had some difficulty in finding the ship," added the
principal.

"We have concluded to tell the whole truth, sir," said Sanford,
hanging his head.

"I am very glad to hear that."

"We didn't wish to find the ship."

"Can you explain the accident by which the second cutter was stove at
Christiansand?"

"I did it on purpose; but no other fellow was to blame, or knew
anything about it."

"I am astonished to think you should expose the lives of your crew, by
pushing your boat right into the path of a steamer."

"I didn't do it, sir, till the steamer had stopped her wheels. I
wanted to get on board of her, and leave the ship. In Norway, I
cheated the rest of the party, and led them out of the way."

"How could you do that?"

"I told Ole what to say."

"Then you wished to travel alone?"

"Yes, sir."

Sanford and Stockwell made a clean breast of it, explaining how they
had lost trains and steamers, and thus avoided returning to the ship.

"Then Ole is a rogue as well as the rest of you, it seems."

"He did what I told him to do, and paid him for doing," replied
Sanford.

"He is a runaway, too," interposed the boatswain, who proceeded to
tell the story of the waif. "The boy has suffered a good deal from the
ill-treatment of his step-father."

"I am sorry for him; but his character does not seem to be up to the
average of that of his countrymen. I don't think we want him on
board," replied Mr. Lowington. "As you say this Olaf has no claim for
his services, we will see about him."

The Rensdyr had by this time arrived at the quay, and it was not
believed that Captain Olaf would permit his step-son, whose services
seemed to be of so much value to him, to escape without making an
effort to reclaim him. After all hands had returned from the shore, he
put in an appearance, and seeing Peaks in the waist, directed his
steps towards him. The profusion of fine uniforms, the order and
discipline that reigned on deck, and the dignified mien of the
instructors who were walking back and forth, seemed to produce an
impression